Office of Stewardship and Development
As Catholics, we are called to recognize that everything we have is a gift from God. The Office of Stewardship and Development works to foster a culture of gratitude, generosity, and responsibility across our diocese. We support parishes, Diocesan Offices, and ministries by helping parishioners live out their baptismal call to share their time, talent, and treasure in service to Christ and one another.
Mission
To cultivate a spirit of Christian stewardship throughout the diocese, ensuring the spiritual and temporal resources needed to carry out the mission of the Catholic Church are nurtured, sustained, and shared responsibly.
Purposes of the Office of Stewardship and Development
- Parish Stewardship Support
Provide resources, workshops, and renewal materials to help pastors and parish finance councils implement and strengthen stewardship as a way of life in their local communities.
- The Annual Diocesan Appeal
Coordinates under the direction of the Office of Temporal Affairs, the yearly appeal that funds vital diocesan-wide ministries, including priest retirement, seminarian education, Catholic charities, youth ministry, campus ministry, and faith formation.
- Planned Giving and Endowments
Assists individuals and families who wish to leave a lasting legacy of faith. Offers guidance on wills, bequests, charitable gift annuities, and the establishment of parish endowment funds.
- Capital Campaigns
Provide strategic planning, counsel, and administrative oversight for major fundraising initiatives and capital campaigns aimed at building, restoring, or expanding our churches and ministries.
- Grants and Foundations
Identify and manage grant opportunities to support unique pastoral projects, outreach ministries, and emergency parish needs.
Understanding Christian Stewardship
Stewardship is not just about fundraising; it is a spiritual tool that connects our faith with our daily actions. True Christian stewardship relies on three pillars:
- Time: Spending time with God in prayer, attending Mass, and nurturing our personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Talent: Offering our unique skills, professional expertise, and personal strengths to build up our parish community and help those in need.
- Treasure: Making a sacrificial, consistent, and intentional financial commitment to support the Church and its charitable works.
Ways to Give
- Online Giving: Make a secure, one-time or recurring gift to the Annual Appeal or your local parish.
- Stock & Securities: Transfer appreciated stock to maximize your tax benefits while supporting the Church.
- Legacy Gifts: Remember the diocese or your parish in your will or estate plans.
- Volunteer: Contact your local parish or diocesan pastoral center to find ministries in need of your talents.
Learn More about Stewardship with the Catholic Gift Giving Guide
The Catholic Giving Guide helps parishioners plan their giving as they intentionally make stewardship a way of life. It helps families budget and make sacrifices, according to their giving goals.
This free tool helps you budget your charitable giving, keeping your 2024 financial resolutions on track and ensuring your donations support the things you care most about.
Download your guide – click HERE.
